FAQ

Am I eligible to participate in the annual Commencement ceremony?

Eligible students invited to participate in Commencement have graduated from July of the previous year to June of the current year. This group makes up the current graduating class. In addition, graduates from prior years who have not yet participated in a Commencement ceremony may attend one ceremony per earned degree.

Do I need to register to attend Commencement?

Yes, registration is required and may be done either online or by mail by returning the registration form that came with your Commencement Invitation. Online registration for the 2015 Commencement opens on March 11 and closes at noon on June 12. All graduates are required to purchase a cap and gown as well as complete all required registration forms. You do not need to return the form by mail if you register online.

Will I receive a confirmation?

Yes, if you register online you will receive a confirmation email immediately. If you register by mail, you will receive a confirmation email within three weeks of receipt of your form. If you do not receive your confirmation, please contact the Commencement Office.

When will I receive my cap and gown?

If you are registered to attend Commencement, you will receive your cap and gown when you check in at the Empire State Convention Center on the day of Commencement. For those who have ordered a cap and gown, but are not attending, you will receive it in the mail following the ceremony.

Why do you need to know my height and weight when I register for Commencement?

Each cap and gown is custom ordered; we do not have any extras on hand on Commencement Day. Therefore, it's important that we have your correct height and weight information so your gown will fit properly.

What will my Excelsior College cap and gown look like?

The associate and bachelor's degree gowns are black, knee length and have long sleeves; the master's gown is also black, and made with a long, closed sleeve with an arc of a circle appearing near the bottom, and a slit for the arm. The black Oxford or mortarboard-style cap is worn for all degrees.

The most distinctive feature of academic dress is the hood. It varies in length depending on whether the wearer has an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. The hoods for all degrees are lined in silk with the academic colors of the institution conferring the degree; for Excelsior degrees, that means purple and gold. The trim on all hoods except the associate degree hood is velvet and the color indicates the degree granted: white for arts and letters; drab for business areas; yellow-gold for science; gold or apricot for nursing; and salmon for health sciences.

In addition, eligible grads may wear cords that indicate membership in an honor society or the achievement of academic honors.

How many guests may I bring and do they need tickets to attend the ceremony?

The number of guests is not limited and tickets are not required.

What is the length of the Commencement Ceremony?

The Commencement Ceremony is approximately two hours long. It begins at 3 pm and ends at 5 pm. Immediately following the ceremony there will be a reception located just outside the Convention Hall for all graduates and guests.

Should I use the shuttle buses?

Yes, we strongly encourage graduates and their guests to use the shuttle buses as parking at the Empire State Plaza is limited.

Note: Graduates and/or guests who require use of an accessible shuttle bus must make prior arrangements by calling the Commencement Office no later than June 24. Only one shuttle bus will be accessible and reservations will be necessary.

Will a sign-language interpreter be at the ceremony?

Yes, a sign-language interpreter will be on the stage at the ceremony as we strive to make Commencement accessible to individuals with differing physical abilities. If any of our graduates or guests requires auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Commencement Office.

Are graduates allowed to wear their military uniforms to Commencement?

Yes, military graduates are encouraged to wear military uniforms to all Commencement activities, but must wear a gown over the uniform for the ceremony.

Will my picture be taken as I cross the stage?

Island Photography will take pictures of you as you cross the stage and complimentary proofs will be sent to each graduate for purchase consideration. If family and friends would like to receive a direct link to the photos, visit the Island Photography Web site to register. Images will be posted within 72 hours of the ceremony. All inquires should be made to Island Photography at 800-869-0908. Purchase is optional.

Is handicapped parking available at the Empire State Plaza?

Yes, handicapped parking is available in the V-Lot, but is not accessible to oversized vehicles due to the height limitations (6-1/2 feet) of this underground facility. Handicapped parking and parking for oversized vehicles is available in the Cathedral Lot. After parking, visitors using wheelchairs should enter Empire State Plaza through the New York State Museum building. Take the elevator to the Concourse level hallway and proceed straight, following signs for the Convention Center and Excelsior College Commencement.

Where can I find information regarding other hotel options?

To learn about more local hotel options, go to albany.org. Keep in mind the following:

Downtown area hotels are located near the ceremony site/Convention Center